Las Vegas Controller Impaired
11-09-2018, 02:05 AM
#11
In a land of unicorns
Joined APC: Apr 2014
Position: Whale FO
Posts: 6,465
With the slurring words, repeated "standby"'s and the coughing in the end with the hot mic, it does sound like a stroke. Hope she is OK (and I hope it's not the "obvious").
I'm surprised how long it took to find a replacement - did no-one call 911?
I'm surprised how long it took to find a replacement - did no-one call 911?
11-09-2018, 06:41 AM
#13
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Oct 2015
Posts: 292
Originally Posted by Tjamaica
It sounded like she was crying at one point. Seemed like a medical issue to me and I really hope she is ok
11-09-2018, 07:18 AM
#14
Line Holder
Joined APC: Aug 2010
Position: The Dark Side
Posts: 99
Originally Posted by Glenntilton
Heard the crying, maybe drinking after a breakup or another such personal problem/tragedy?
11-09-2018, 09:53 AM
#15
Prime Minister/Moderator
Joined APC: Jan 2006
Position: Engines Turn Or People Swim
Posts: 39,253
Originally Posted by Super27
That’s quite an assumption to be making with essentially no facts available. If you listen to earlier recordings from that night, she sounds fine. Whatever happened to her came on relatively quickly and obviously seriously incapacitated her. Unless you’re willing to assume that she was literally sitting in the tower pounding drinks to the point of alcohol poisoning, which I’m not, then logic would suggest a medical problem.
11-09-2018, 10:54 AM
#17
Moderate Moderator
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: Curator at Static Display
Posts: 5,681
Originally Posted by Adlerdriver
Would it be common, at LAS, for a tower controller to be alone at the time of the event? If not, it seems kind of odd that this went on as long as it did without someone noticing her issue.
My guess is Approach Control realized something was amiss when coordinating on the landline, and they sent someone to investigate.
Supposedly has been reported up-channel....we’ll see if we hear anything.
11-09-2018, 11:00 AM
#18
Gets Weekends Off
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,282
Originally Posted by UAL T38 Phlyer
Houston is often a “one-man show” after about 10:00pm. Not sure what time this event was at Vegas, but I’d guess something similar is possible late at night.
11-09-2018, 03:06 PM
#19
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jun 2010
Posts: 389
FAA makes staffing policy changes after Vegas controller found incapacitated | Air Traffic Management content from ATWOnline
The FAA did not specify how the employee became incapacitated. The FAA released a statement about the incident.
"The FAA is deeply concerned by the incident, is thoroughly investigating what occurred, and is taking immediate steps to modify its overnight shift staffing policies. No safety events occurred during this incident. The controller is being placed on administrative leave and restricted from working air traffic."
The FAA did not specify how the employee became incapacitated. The FAA released a statement about the incident.
"The FAA is deeply concerned by the incident, is thoroughly investigating what occurred, and is taking immediate steps to modify its overnight shift staffing policies. No safety events occurred during this incident. The controller is being placed on administrative leave and restricted from working air traffic."
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